Robert Hotchkiss, 77, Fergus Falls, MN

Bob Hotchkiss

Robert "Bob" Hotchkiss, 77, of Fergus Falls, died Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008, at Pioneer Retirement Community.
He was born April 6, 1930, at Wright Memorial Hospital in Fergus Falls, to Robert V. and Elaine (Maloney) Hotchkiss. He lived on the family farm until they moved into town in 1934. In 1938, his parents bought Hotchkiss Store. He graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1948.
On Oct. 5, 1948, he joined the U.S. Army and served in Bremerhaven, Germany, until his discharge in 1951. He returned to Fergus Falls and attended Wahpeton Science School, studying to become an electrician. Bob then moved to Washington State and eventually worked at the Bremerton Shipyard.
In 1964, after the death of his mother, he returned to Fergus Falls and took over Hotchkiss Tavern, eventually changing the name to Bob’s Tavern.
He was active in football and boxing in Fergus Falls, being a quarterback on the Otter’s team, boxing in many tournaments in Wahpeton and going to the Upper Mid-West tournament as a lightweight. Bob sponsored, played and managed many sport teams throughout his lifetime, including golf, softball, bowling and basketball teams.
He also sponsored a golf tournament with Bruce Bakke called the BaKiss Tourney. After retirement, he played golf with the Ruthless Bunch and didn’t come in happy with the most second place finishes.
He was a member of the VFW, Elks, Eagles and American Legion and his St. Patty’s Day singalongs. He was known as Bobby when younger, then Uncle Bob to a generation of nieces and nephews, as well as customers, and when he retired was just Bob or grandpa.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Dorothy Porter and Betty Sagerhorn.
He is survived by his loving wife, Doris (Bartruff) Welle of 38 years and her children, Susan (Dennis) Felix of Eden Prairie, Julie (Bill) Miller of Monticello, and Chuck (Julie) Welle of Deephaven; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, Austin Felix of Eden Prairie, Dominic (Terri) Miller and Hayden and Monica (Kris) Schwickerath, Ty and Luke all of Monticello, Caitlyn Welle of Boston, Mass., Sarah Welle and Evan Welle of Deephaven; one brother, Jack (Laura) Hotchkiss; two brothers-in-law, Warren Sagerhorn and Delbert Porter, and special family friend, Julie Rassmusson all of Fergus Falls; many nieces, nephews; and other relatives and friends.
Visitation: Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 4 p.m., at the funeral home, and one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 11:30 Monday, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Father Robert Kieffer and Sister Joyce Leibly
Burial: St. Otto’s Catholic Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls

• Condolences may be sent online at www.glendenilson.com